Thirds hockey took to rink 2 Saturday to face the Futures squad from Avon Old Farms. The game, while close on the scoreboard, will hardly go down as a classic. The Bears racked up at least 10 penalties, including a major for boarding that came with an ejection and a 4 minute power play, and a mysterious tripping call that led to a rarely-seen penalty shot.

Led by de facto captain Eric "Stampede" Smith, '14, the Gray line, including Brendan "Savior" Moloy, '15, and Richie "The Wrecker" Riegel, '15, was able to control play and keep the puck in the offensive zone during most of their shifts. Despite dominating puck possession, the boys could not find the back of the net. Other lines stepped up to try their hand at lighting the lamp, and it was the blue line of Peter "Zander's Brother" Girodano, '15, Troy "Bodie" Bernier, '14, and Jay "Z" Allen, '15, that carried the day.

After a scoreless first period, and most of a scoreless second, Bernier, who shed the GS suit of the ski team for the sweater of Thirds this season, found himself on the doorstep with the puck on his stick and took appropriate action, notching his first career Thirds goal. Up 1-0 going into the third, the boys buckled down on defense, protecting starting goalie Dillon "California" Cunningham, '15, and denying the rushes of the still-flightless young Beavers. Avon finally scored on the first (or maybe second) penalty shot in the annals of Thirds hockey. Cunningham made the initial stop, but the puck subsequently bounced, rolled, slid and slithered its way across the goal line. Thankfully, Bernier chose the right time to uncork his career game, and scored again with just under 10 minutes left in the game. Up 2-1, the Bears fought off repeated Avon power plays, including the aforementioned four minute man advantage, securing the win in front of a feisty crowd of parents, friends, and scouts. Thanks to call-ups Liam Thor, '17, who had a couple of brilliant end-to-end rushes, Larry Matt, and former Thirds stalwart "Dandy" Danny Ives, '15, for their help in the game. Next up: the Kent Lions on Wednesday at the Jack. Reserve your seats now.

Berkshire School is a co-ed, New England college preparatory boarding and day school offering a rigorous academic course of study in the northeast United States. Our campus, located in Massachusetts, has state-of-the-art academic, artistic and athletic facilities on a stunning 400-acre campus in the Berkshires.